"His name," hesitating a little, "is Francis Lamotte."
"Thank you; and now, Miss Wardour, I want to ask at least three favors of you, in return for which you may command me to any extent."
"Ask them," replied Constance, feeling inwardly that she was outgrowing surprise.
"First, will you promise me—I know that you keep your promises—not to repeat one word of this conversation to Doctor Heath."
"Doctor Heath is not my father confessor," she said coldly; and then remembering the sort of man she was addressing, she added as best she could. "Although from what you saw last night, you might almost have fancied him such. I promise in any case to keep secret this interview."
"Will you promise, above all, to keep it from Mr. Belknap; to keep everything concerning me from his knowledge?"
Constance laughed.
"So far as I can," she replied. "Mr. Belknap is a detective; let him find out things as you seem to do."
"I don't find out everything, more's the pity," he replied; then hesitating slightly over the question. "May I rely on your aunt?"
"I promise for my aunt," replied Constance, laughing again; "she is very loyal."